Showing Godly Love to People Who Reject Jesus
You can tell your family and friends about God, but until they see Jesus making a difference in your life, they may not listen.
"Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” 1 Peter 3:1-2
The phrase “actions speak louder than words” is not in the Bible, but it’s true! You can tell your family and friends about God, but until they see Jesus making a difference in your life, they may not listen. Today’s passage is addressed to women with non-Christian husbands, but it also applies to each one of us. We can show God’s love to our family, friends and coworkers who reject Jesus. Here’s how:
Live by the Spirit
As followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. This gives us power to live righteous lives. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Being guided and empowered by the Spirit is the only way to have victory over sin, and to live a life that demonstrates God’s greatness to those around you.
Also, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Your family members who reject Jesus may not believe the message of the gospel, but when they see the fruits of the Spirit in your life, it’s harder for them to deny that God is doing something in you.
Be Humble
The quickest way to drive people away from God is to act like you’re better than them. As today’s passage says, live in a way that is “respectful and pure.” If you offend a family member or friend, humble yourself and ask them to forgive you. If someone notices changes in your life, don’t take credit for it-- share your testimony! Let them know it is God who is working in you and through you.
Demonstrate God’s Grace
It’s easy to be nice to people who are nice to you. But Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Hopefully your family members are not enemies, but they may persecute you. When you respond to their insults or unkind behavior with love and forgiveness, you give them a taste of the grace you’ve received from God. This may be just what the Lord uses to draw them to Him for salvation.
Pray this week:
That as you do these things, your light would brightly shine to your friends, coworkers and family members.
Have you ever told someone about Jesus and they responded rudely you? What did you do? Share your experience with a Christian and be encouraged.